North Korea's Underwater Ambitions: A New Submarine in the Making

North Korea has recently showcased the outer shell of what it claims is a nuclear-powered submarine. This development comes as a response to South Korea's plans to build its own nuclear-powered submarine, which North Korea views as a threat to its security. The construction of this submarine has been a priority for North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, since 2021. In March, state media released images of the submarine under construction. Now, they have shared photos of Kim inspecting the completed outer shell of the submarine, which they refer to as a strategic guided missile submarine. Experts outside North Korea have been skeptical about the country's ability to acquire the necessary technology and components for a nuclear submarine, particularly the small nuclear reactor required to power it. The recent unveiling suggests that North Korea is making progress, but it remains unclear when the submarine will be fully operational.Hong Min, an expert on North Korean military affairs, believes that the completed outer shell indicates that a nuclear reactor has already been installed inside. He also suspects that North Korea may be receiving technological assistance from Russia in exchange for its support in the war against Ukraine. The submarine appears to be designed to carry various types of missiles and torpedoes, according to military experts. North Korea has been conducting tests on submarine-launched missiles and torpedoes in recent years, claiming that they are capable of delivering nuclear warheads. The country justifies its nuclear weapons development as a response to perceived military threats from the United States, Japan, and South Korea.